As the 2023 election year for Nigeria slowly approaches, discussions on elections, especially at the presidential level, are taking centre stage. This is especially so as the former Abia state governor and current Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu, indicates his interest in the country’s apex political office.
Kalu, who seems to be warming up for the polls, made the remark in Minna, Niger state while on a private visit to two former Heads of State: Ibrahim Babaginda and Abdulsalami Abubakar. Speaking to members of the press, Kalu revealed that he would not hesitate to serve as Nigeria’s president in 2023 if given the opportunity by the electorate.
“I am still in the senate, and I will seek for re-election into the senate but if our people want me to serve as president I will not hesitate,” he said.
‘Zoning is not Constitutional’ – Kalu
The rule of zoning was first introduced by the People’s Democratic Party in 1999 as a way of compensating the people of the South West of the country for the annulment of the 1993 general elections, which Chief M.K.O Abiola was believed to have won. Zoning is an unofficial, yet important part of Nigeria’s politics, especially at the presidency level.
Used to rotate presidential power between the major political zones in the country, zoning indirectly determines what region gets a shot at the presidency after the current dispensation.
While talks are currently being had around which zone will be in the spotlight next, Kalu seemed unperturbed by this, stating that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has not zoned the position of president in 2023, making it possible for anyone to run.
“Zoning is not a constitutional matter in APC, any person can contest any post in APC,” the official also said on Monday.
Corruption Track Record in Nigeria
Recently released from jail, this presidential hopeful does not necessarily have the best track record in terms of leadership. Following his role as governor of Abia state from May 1999 – May 2007, Kalu was accused of mismanaging funds belonging to the state during his tenure. While he pleaded not guilty, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison alongside Ude Udeogu, who was the director of finance and accounts at the Abia State Government House at the time.
Released early from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) in Kuje, Abuja (the federal capital territory of Nigeria), Kalu and Ude appealed the initial court ruling at the Supreme Court. The Court has ordered that the case be retried.
If he eventually runs in 2023, it will be Kalu’s second shot at the presidency in Nigeria after a failed attempt in 2007.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
